of lesser value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of lesser value" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered to have a lower worth or importance compared to something else. Example: "The antique vase was beautiful, but the modern replica was of lesser value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The two sketches are of lesser value, which the police estimated at a total of $17,000.

The New York Times

Mr. Jackson owns other music catalogs of lesser value, and has used those to borrow, as well.

The New York Times

The chips usually have a single basic value, although some casinos also sell chips of lesser value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transatlantic can still make the case that the combination with Validus will be of lesser value than the standalone option.

The New York Times

But Morgan Stanley either made no investment specifically on behalf of those clients, or made entirely different investments of lesser value and security, according to the complaint.

The New York Times

Roughly 90 percent of the money invested in mortgages currently flows through Fannie, Freddie and the Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees loans of lesser value.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Like a mixing desk or mixer, GarageBand's "Recording Level" value effectively sets a percentage of 100 percent volume, or of whatever lesser value may be set in your Audio MIDI Setup.

WikiHow

By simple deduction all others are of somewhat lesser value.

Huffington Post

While there are many important fights left to win on the path to full equality for LGBT people, we won a giant hurdle this past June when the highest court in the land ruled that our love was of no lesser value than anyone else's.

Huffington Post

These would be of significantly lesser value.

WikiHow

Only valid with purchase of another item of equal or lesser value".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the worth of items, ensure the context clearly establishes the criteria for valuation. For example, "While both paintings were beautiful, the unsigned work was of lesser value due to the lack of provenance."

Common error

Vary your vocabulary to maintain readability. Repeatedly using the phrase "of lesser value" in adjacent sentences can make your writing sound monotonous. Consider using synonyms like "less significant" or restructuring your sentences to avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of lesser value" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun it modifies has a reduced worth, importance, or significance compared to something else. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it compares items, ideas, or even people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of lesser value" is a versatile expression used to denote reduced worth, importance, or significance. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and serves to provide comparison, description, and distinction in value. While highly prevalent, writers should consider using synonyms to avoid redundancy. Remember to contextualize the phrase clearly when using it to ensure your audience understands the basis of valuation. Using phrases like ""less valuable"", ""of lower worth"", or ""less significant"" may add variety to your writing, while still maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less valuable

This is a more concise way to express the same idea, focusing on the property of value itself.

of reduced value

Indicates that the value has been diminished or decreased.

of lower worth

This alternative uses 'worth' instead of 'value', suggesting a qualitative assessment of merit or significance.

not as important

A straightforward and simple way to express reduced significance.

lesser

A more concise adjective form to describe reduced quantity, extent, or importance.

less significant

This phrase emphasizes the diminished importance or impact of something.

of minor importance

Similar to 'less significant', but focuses on the degree of importance.

of secondary importance

This suggests that something is important, but not as crucial as something else.

subordinate

This term suggests a hierarchical relationship where one item is ranked lower than another.

lower-ranking

Implies a position in a hierarchy that is below others.

FAQs

How can I use "of lesser value" in a sentence?

Use "of lesser value" to compare the relative worth, importance, or significance of two or more things. For example: "The newer model is more efficient, making the older version "of lesser value" to collectors".

What are some alternatives to "of lesser value"?

You can use phrases like "less valuable", "of lower worth", or "less significant" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "of less value" instead of "of lesser value"?

While "of less value" is grammatically correct, "of lesser value" is more common and idiomatic, particularly when making comparisons. Both are acceptable, but "of lesser value" often provides a more nuanced expression.

What is the difference between "of lesser value" and "less valuable"?

"Of lesser value" and "less valuable" are largely interchangeable. "Of lesser value" tends to be used in more formal contexts, while "less valuable" is slightly more direct and common in everyday language.